Systems for processing data over telephone networks



Dec. 19, 1967 M. v. DI loRlc ET AL 3,359,369

SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING DATA OVER TELEPHONE NETWORKS l2 Sheets-Sheet l Original Filed Jan.

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Dec. 19, 1967 M. v. Dl loRlc ET AL 3,359,369

SYSTEMS lFOR PROCESSING DATA OVER TELEPHONE NETWORKS Original Filed Jan. 5, 1959 l2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Dec. 19, 1967 M v. Dl loRlc ET AL 3,359,359

SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING DATA OVER TELEPHONE NETWORKS Original Filed Jan. 5, 1959 l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 l TELEPHONE L /NE M. V. DI IOR/0 /NVENm/QS R J. GRUNFLDER By L.L. SEVEBECK @WM-2e..

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SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING DATA OVER TELEPHONE NETWORKS l2 Sheets-Sheet Original Filed Jan. 1959 FIG. l2

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SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING DATA OVER'TELEPHONE NETWORKS 12 sheets-shea 9 Original Filed Jan.

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United States Patent O 3,359,369 SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING DATA OVER TELEPHONE NETWORKS Michael V. Di lorie, Oakland, and Philip J. Grunfelder and Laurin L. Sevebeck, Mountainside, NJ., assignors to Western Electric Company, Incorporated, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Original application Jan. 5, 1959, Ser. No. 784,983, now Patent No. 3,131,259, dated Apr. 28, 1964. Divided and this application Feb. 26, 1964, Ser. No. 347,533

16 Claims. (Cl. 179-2) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE,

Data is transmitted over a telephone network in the form of multi-frequency signals. The data signals are generated by a transmitter having an oscillator circuit which includes two groups of normally open resonant circuit paths of different characteristic frequencies. The data signals are transmitted over a telephone line to a receiver which determines the component frequencies of the data signals and produces an -output signal indicative of the transmitted data. The receiver includes several errorchecking circuits, including code and parity checks, by which the transmitter is informed of the reception of erroneous signals. The receiver is responsive only to signals of a predetermined amplitude, time duration and frequency and only to the rst of two or more signals which may overlap each other in time.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 784,983 tiled Jan. 5, 1959, now U.S. Patent No. 3,131,- 259, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of yapplication Ser. No. 771,291 led Nov. 3, 1958, now abandoned. The invention relates to systems for processing data over telephone networks.

In the past, data processing systems intended for operation over telephone networks have employed impractically large and expensive equipment. One reason for this is that telephone networks are designed for the transmission of signals within the voice frequency band, while conventional, data-representing signals often encompass a much wider frequency spectrum. Further, telephone networks are subject to cross-talks, that is, electromagnetic coupling between lines, which may readily interfere with the proper functioning of the receiving units of a data processing system. Moreover, telephone networks often incorporate circuitry such as, for example, echo suppressors, regenerative ampliers, and the like, which tend to interfere with the transmission of data signals.

An object of this invention is to provide new andimproved systems for processing data over telephone networks.

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby the processing of data over a telephone network may be effected through the medium of efficient but relatively simple, compact and inexpensive equipment.

A method illustrating certain aspects of the invention may include the steps of generating a plurality of A.C. voltages of different frequencies, combining selected ones of these voltages so as to provide for each data character a coded multi-frequency signal, transmitting such coded signals over a telephone network in spaced time relationship, and effecting a determination of the frequencies of the component A.C. voltages of each coded multi-frequency signal sent over the network to provide a reading of each data character.

An apparatus illustrating certain aspects of the invention may include means for generating a plurality of A.C. voltages of different frequencies, means for combining selected ones of these voltages so as to provide for each data character a coded multi-frequency signal, means for transmitting such coded signals over a telephone network in spaced time relationship, and means for effecting a determination of the frequencies of the component A C. voltages of each coded multi-frequency signal sent over the network to provide a reading of each data character.

The use of coded multi-frequency signals makes available a large selection of data characters within the limited frequency band transmittable by a telephone network. The use of multi-frequency signals also eliminates, for all practical purposes, the possibility that spurious electrical signals will confuse the receiving units of the system. The probability that two of the frequencies utilized will by chance simultaneously be coupled in combination into the network is statistically quite remote. Experimental long-distance transmission of data by the present system has proven its reliability in operation over telephone networks.

An aspect of the present invention is the provision of a transmitter arrangement wherein translator means are directly actuated by input data to produce the coded multi-frequency signals. Previously known translator means employed intermediate relays, cold-cathode tube matrices, or the like, which result in large, power-consuming transmitter units. The transmitter of the present invention is extremely compact and inexpensive, with power requirements so small that it may even be powered by a conventional telephone subscriber line.

Broadly, the transmitter comprises a plurality of A.C. voltage generating circuits, each having a different operating frequency. Each of these generating circuits is electrically connected to apply an A.C. voltage to the telephone network when its circuit is closed. A plurality of individual transducer elements, each corresponding to a preselected one of the data characters, is also provided. Each of these transducer elements includes switching means, actuable in response to a mechanical data input, to directly effect the coincidental circuit closure of a preselected plurality of the generating circuits. Actuation of the switching means thereby etfects the simultaneous selection, combination and transmission of a plurality of A.C. voltages to produce a coded multi-frequency signal.

In a particular embodiment, transducer elements Iare v provided wherein the switching means may be directly actuated through the medium of mechanical inputs as recorded on a data card. To this end, a feeler means is included as part of the switching means of a transducerv element. Means are provided for positioning the face of a data card in physical contact with the feeler means. The feeler means is bia-sed against the data card and means are provided for effecting relative movement therebe-l tween. In this way, the feeler means is designed to be physically translated, to actuate the switching means, in response to the encountering of a mechanical input on the data card. A further aspect of the invention is the provision of a number of alternative transducer forms, adapted for direct data card actuation.

The multiplicity of factors inherent in a telephone network which are capable of producing errors in a receiver circuit has been one of the major causes heretofore preventing the successful processing of data over a telephone network. Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a receiver unit especially designed to provide errorfree processing of transmitted data into a usable output form. For this purpose, the receiver unit includes a multiplicity of checks which infallibly detect processing errors.

Wherever possible, these checks are designed to preventv Patented Dec. 19, 1967 tion Vhas been transmitted. Existing errors may thus be localized and assigned to a particular item, and errors may be eliminated simply by item repetition.

The systems of the present invention are admirably suited for a wide variety of data processing functions. For example, they may be employed to simplify and greatly expedite the processing of warehouse orders. Even the smallest and remotest of stations could readily be provided with a transmitter according to the invention because of its small size and low cost. Such station may transmit information to a receiver unit at a central warehouse where the information could be further processed through computing machines and the order rapidly expedited. Other applications include the transmission of data relating to the payment of bills, attendance time card information, production control information, and the like.

THE DRAWINGS The invention will be clearly understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed circuit diagram of the transmitter section shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the data processing transmitter section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the data input translator section of FIG. 3 with the case removed and portions broken away to show the card reader assembly;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section as in FIG. 5 with the card reader tray inserted;

FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the card reader tray of FIGS. 5 and 6, showing the action of the transducer elements in reading a perforated data card;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a perforated data card;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transducer means adapted to read an embossed data card;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a transducer means adapted to read either embossed or perforated data cards;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of a card reader tray adapted to automatically transmit selected data;

FIGS. 13-16 together comprise a detailed circuit diagram of the receiver section shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 17 shows the arrangement of FIGS. 13-16 to provide a unitary receiver circuit diagram;

FIG. 18 is a detailed circuit diagram of a modified transmitter unit in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram of alternative resonant circuit means which may be employed in the transmitter unit of FIG. 18;

FIG. 2O is a perspective view of the transmitter unit shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a partial rear view of the transmitter unit of FIG. showing the oscillator unitonnection;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the transmitter unit of FIG. 2O cut away to show the card reader unit;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional side view of the card reader of FIG. 22, showing the manner of operation of the surface embossments;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are enlarged sectional side views of a switching unit providing for one-way operation of the card reader of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the switching unit of FIGS. 24 and 25; and

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a transducer means adapted to read a data card.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, the data processing system of the present invention may broadly be divided into two sections, a transmitter 10 and a receiver 11. Both the transmitter and receiver sections are provided with a conventional telephone set, 12 and 13, respectively. To interconnect the two sections, the operator at the transmitter need only call a receiver station and establish voice contact. The operator at the receiver station may then switch a receiver unit onto the talking circuit established. Where required, a number of receiver units may be located at-a busy receiver station in order to accommodate incoming calls. In that event, automatic interconnection and allocation of available receiver units may be effected by means of a conventional telephone PBX.

T ransmtter It is the primary function of the transmitter to accept data information in a mechanical input form, and to translate the information into the coded electrical signals prescribed by the invention. The transmitter also functions to provide operator-initiated control signals for the receiver.

In its first function, the transmitter operates to translate each character of input information into an electrical signal comprising two or more A.C. voltages of different frequencies, the combination of frequencies selected being representative of the character. For this purpose, the transmitter is provided with an oscillator circuit 15 designed to make available for selection a plurality of A.C. voltages of different frequencies. Transducer means are also provided for the mechanical insertion of data information. Such means may advantageously take the form of a keyboard 16 and a card reader 17.

A number of multiple-frequency codes for character identification may be utilized. For example, each character may be assigned two out of six available frequencies. In this manner, 15 possible frequency combinations are available. If more combinations are desired, a code may be employed wherein three frequencies are assigned to each character out of twelve frequencies available. This code provides 64 possible combinations. Other even more complex codes may be employed if desired, without extending the frequency range beyond that transmittable through a telephone network. It has been found, however, that with a simple two-out-of-six code, the present system is capable of effecting a large variety of data processing functions. For this reason, in the specification the system will generally be described with reference to such a code.

In operation, oscillator circuit 15 is energized from a battery 18 through a switch 19. Battery 18 is the only source of power required by the transmitter portion of the system. With a preferred embodiment of oscillator circuit 15, the power needs of the transmitter may be so small as to be provided directly from a telephone subscriber line. The small power needs of the transmitter derive from the provision, according to the invention, of a translator means which directly translates the mechanical data input at the transducers into the electrical multifrequency output. This translator means, which forms an lmportant part of the invention, is described in a more detailed portion of the specification to follow.

To produce receiver control signals, the transmitter employs a keyboard 20. The control signals are multifrequency signals as in the case of data transmission. In this case, the signals are coded in terms of the desired control functions.

The extreme compactness of the transmitter unit is shown in FIG. 3. It is comparable in size to a telephone set, whereas the somewhat similar units previously known were desk size or larger. The transmitter is advantageously packaged in two portions, a data input translator unit 21 and an auxiliary unit 22. Translator unit 21 contains the transducer means for inserting data information into the system, that is, keyboards 16 and 20, and card reader 17. Auxiliary unit 22 contains oscillator circuit 15 and a coil circuit 23 through which the translator circuit connects to the telephone lines. The containment of the translator unit in a separate package is prescribed in order that it be independent of frequency. Thus a standard translator unit may be manufactured and utilized in any location regardless of the frequency code there employed.

In the translator unit, data information keyboard 16 and control keyboard 20 are arranged on an inclined face 24 (FIG. 3). Card reader 17 is arranged at one side of the package. It comprises a tray 25 into which a data card 26 is inserted. The card carries data information recorded on its face in the form of a coded arrangement of perforations or embossments. To translate such a record into electrical signals, the tray is moved relative to a transducing means in the translator.

Telephone set 12 may advantageously be employed for monitoring the receiver section of the system. In that event, the tel-ephone receiver is not replaced in its cradle after establishing telephone contact, but remains operative during the processing of data. The switch hook in the telephone cradle may then advantageously be employed as oscillator power switch 19 to conveniently switch the transmitter into and out of operation with the initiation and breaking of telephone contact.

Receiver The receiver functions to retranslate the coded multifrequency electrical signals from the transmitter into a usable output form. Furthermore, the receiver is adapted to insure error-free processing of the data information.

To effect the first of these functions, the receiver is switched onto a telephone line by means of a line switch 30. As indicated hereinbefore, the line switch may take the form of a PBX system. The input signal from the telephone line is then applied to a hybrid circuit 31, which automatically functions to route signals into or out of the receiver. A line relay circuit 32 is associated with the hybrid circuit and functions to maintain telephone contact with the transmitter so long as power is on in the receiver. In the event of receiver power failure, telephone Contact is broken by line relay circuit 32 and the transmitter is thus notified.

The input signal passing through the hybrid circuit is applied to an amplitude limiter circ-uit 33. This circuit functions to insure that an input signal of the proper amplitude for processing is provided to the remainder of the receiver. The output of amplitude limiter 33 is applied to a signal detector circuit 34. This circuit analyzes the input signal and determines the frequencies of its component A.C. voltages. Sharply tuned lter circuits are -employed in signal detector circuit 34 so that only signals having combinations of the available system frequencies may pass therethrough. This prevents spurious signals from entering into the system to prod-ucc errors in the data processing.

The output of signal detector 34 is applied to a code circuit 35, which produces electrical signals indicative of the component frequencies of the input signal. These electrical signals are applied to a translate circuit 36. Translate circuit 36 functions to produce an electrical signal indicative of the information character represented by the frequencies received. Finally, the electrical signals produced by translate circuit 36 are applied to an output utilization unit 37. This unit may take a variety of forms well known in the art. For example, it may be adapted t0 provide an indication readable by a human operator, or an output readable by an electronic computing machine. In the latter case, output utilization unit 37 may advantageously take the form of a key punch for the production of coded data cards. Because of the apparatus provided by the invention for electrically processing data information, a minimum of equipment is required by the receiver in its retranslate function. The details of this equipment are described later in the specification.

The second function of the receiver is effected by means of a plurality of checks which guarantee error-free data processing throughout the system. A llirst of these checks is designed to prevent receiver confusion caused by the application of two input signals substantially simultaneously. In this check, a signal present circuit 38 is employed. The input signal passing through amplitude limiter circuit 33 is applied to signal present circuit 38 simultaneously with its application to signal detector circuit 34. Signal present circuit 38 is adapted to produce an output as long as this input signal is applied. This output is connected to a biasin-g circuit 39, which in turn is connected to signal detector circuit 34. Biasing circuit 39 is adapted t0 apply a voltage cutting off signal detector circuit 34 in response to the application thereto of the signal present output. In this way, the signal detector circuit is rendered inoperative to all subsequent signals coming into the receiver so long as a prior input signal is present. Upon removal of this input signal, signal present circuit 38 no longer produces an output, the Ibias is therefore removed, and signal detector circuit 34 is again ready for operation.

Signal present circuit 38 also performs another errorprevent function in the for-m of a second check which insures that the receiver will not be operated Iby spurious signals. To this end, code circuit 35 is so arranged that it will not accept the output of signal detector 34 unless first triggered into readiness by the output of signal present circuit 38. In this way, the receiver responds only to those input signals having the appropriate amplitude, time duration and frequency to be sensed by the signal present circuit.

A further check prevents a signal from translate circuit 36 from .being applied to output utilization unit 37 for a period of time longer than that required for its registration. This prevents the multi-ple registration of character information. As soon as output utilization `unit 37 has effected its signal registration, it sends a signal to an interlock circuit 40 notifying it of that fact. Interlock circuit 40 is switched to disconnect the output signal from translate circuit 36 to output utilization circuit 37 at that time. The interlock circuit is then locked in this state by signal present circuit 38 so long as the signal registered is applied to the receiver. As soon as the input signal is remo-ved, interlock circuit 40 returns to its original state, reconnecting the output of translate circuit 36 to output utilization unit 37 in preparation for the reception of another signal.

Interlock circuit 40 is also adapted to send a voltage to a lamp y41 in a control box 42 each time it receives an output voltage from signal present circuit 38. This causes a light to flash at the control box, indicating to the operator that signals are being received and processed by the receiver.

A further error sensing function is provided by a code check circuit 43. This circuit determines whether the signal received comprises the prescribed number of frequencies or, due to a fault in the transmitter, spurious reception, or the like, more than the prescribed number of frequencies. Code check circuit 43 is connected to code circuit 35. If more than two component frequencies are sensed at code circuit 35, code check circuit 43 produces an output signal indicating such error. Other checks are provided to detect input signals comprising less than the prescribed number of frequencies.

A final system check is provided by means of a mathematical check unit 44. Such units are Well known in the art. In the present system the mathematical check insures the error-free processing of information inserted into the system through the lmedium of data card reader 17. Each data card is provided with a check number arrived at through a prescribed mathematical calculation involving its recorded characters of data information. In operation, the check number is transmitted through the system with the data information, both being applied from output utilization unit 37 to mathematical check unit 44. Therein, the prescribed mathematical calculation is effected and the result compared with the check number. If the result and the check number do not correspond, mathematical check unit 44 deter-mines that an error has been made and produces an output signal indicative of that fact.

The mathematical check so effected provides a substantially foolproof guarantee against errors in the data processing of information through the medium of a data card.

For example, assume that it is desired to send the characters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, in that order, through the system. A mathe-matical check which `may advantageously be utilized in the present system prescri-bes that alternate information characters, starting with the first character transmitted, be selected and the resultant figure doubled, giving, 135 2=270. The numerals in the resultant number are then added, providing 2-l-7-l-0=9. To this result are added alternate information characters, starting with the second character transmitted, to give 9-|-2-|-4=15. And finally, this result is subtracted from the next highest multiple of 10, r 20-15=5. The data card is therefore adapted to transmit the numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, as an item, the latter 5 being the check number.

This mathematical check will detect a wide variety of errors. For example, suppose the data card is inserted into the card reader backwards so that the numerals 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 are transmitted in that order. The calculation effected will then give a check number other than 5 since the first step will result in the doubling of 542 rather than of 135. Other errors detected by the mathematical check include the partial insertion of the data card into the reader, the reception of a character other than that transmitted, the reception of the incorrect number of characters, and so forth.

It will be noted that the last two checks described are not preventative of error, but rather produce signals indicating the detection of an error. An aspect of the present invention is the provision of means whereby the receiver is interrogated after each item of information has been transmitted to determine whether or not there has been an error in the processing. The o-utput signals of both mathematical check circuit 44 and code check circuit 43 are fed into an error memory circuit 45. All indications of errors detected during the transmission of an item are there stored until required. At the end of the transmission of an item, the operator of the transmitter so informs the receiver by depressing a control button 46 herein denoted as Item Register. The translator then sends an appropriately coded multi-frequency signal to the receiver. Translate circuit 36, upon receiving such a signal, sends an output to an item register circuit 47. This circuit performs two functions. First, it sends a signal to output utilization unit 37 clearing it for the reception of a subsequent item. Second, it sends a check signal to a tone release circuit 48 indicating to it that a complete item has been transmitted.

It is the function of tone release circuit 48 to transmit through hybrid circuit 31 a signal indicating to the transmitter whether or not an error has been detected. To this end, tone release circuit 48, upon being actuated by item register circuit 47, interrogates error memory circuit 45 to determine whether or not an error indication has been stored therein. If no error is detected, tone release circuit 48 merely acts as a switch which, when actuated by item register circuit 47, permits a steady signal from an oscillator circuit 49 to be applied through hybrid circuit 31 to the telephone line. If, it finds that an error indication has been stored in memory circuit 45, however, tone release circuit 48 actuates a pulsing circuit 50 adapted to pulsate the output of oscillator circuit 49. Thus a pulsating error signal, easily distinguished from the steady signal denoting the absence of error, is sent to the transmitter. These signals may advantageously be received as `audible tones at the receiver of the transmitter telephone set.

The system also provides a variety of receiver controls, available at the transmitter, which have been found to be of advantage. One such control is provided through a push button 52, denoted Message End. This button produces an appropriately coded multi-frequency signal which is transmitted to the receiver and decoded at translate circuit 36. Upon determining its meaning, translate circuit 36 sends an output signal to la message end circuit 52. This circuit performs substantially the same operations as does item register circuit 47. In addition, it sends -a voltage to a lamp 53 at the control box informing the receiver operator that a total message has been sent and that the receiver may be taken off the line.

Another control available in the system is provided by a push button 54, denoted Errorf This control is actuated by the transmitter operator upon realization that an error has been committed by him in entering data. Again a coded multi-frequency signal is transmitted to the receiver and read by translate circuit 36. In this case, translate circuit 36 sends a signal to output utilization unit 37, clearing all registered characters to prepare it for the repetition of the item in error.

A further control is provided by a push button 55 denoted Operator and adapted to produce still another coded multi-frequency signal. This signal actuates translate circuit 36 to send an output voltage to a lamp 56 on the control box, thereby to gain the operators attention. Advantageously a buzzer or some other audible signal may be utilized in conjunction with or instead of lamp 56.

A final control which has been found useful is provided by a push button 57 denoted Message Start. This button is actuated immediately prior to the transmission of data information. It produces a multi-frequency signal coded to switch the receiver into operation. Prior to that time the receiver is made unresponsive, thus protecting it from spurious signals.

It will be noted that hybrid circuit 31 is employed in the receiver to provide for the transmission of signals in either direction over the telephone network. In its simplest form, a two-way switch could be employed since information is transmitted in only one direction at any given time. This unidirectional aspect permits the present system to operate in conjunction with telephone networks having echo Suppressors therein. Echo Suppressors prevent the transmission of information in two directions at the same time. For this reason, data processing systems utilizing bi-directional transmission cannot operate over existing telephone networks. It is conceivable, however, particularly in short distance transmission, that the data processing system of the present invention may be employed with networks not having echo Suppressors and therefore permitting bi-directional transmission. In this event, the system may advantageously employ a hybrid circuit adapted for bi-directional transmission. Such transmission permits the receiver to send a signal back to the transmitter continuously during the processing of data information. This provides a circuit assurance check wherein a continuous signal from the receiver to the transmitter indicates to the operator that the receiver is in operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION T ransmtter One preferred transmitter section in accordance with the invention is schematically illustrated in detail in FIG. 2. Sections of the schematic diagram corresponding to the blocks of FIG. 1 are identically numbered. The data input translator section is shown generally at 21, the oscillator at 15, and the coil circuit at 23.

Translator section 21 incorporates the transducing means whereby data information and control commands are inserted into the data processing system. In this embodiment, the transducing means comprises a card reader 17, a data information keyboard 16, and a control keyboard 20.

Oscillator section 15 provides a plurality of A.C. voltages of different frequencies for the production of multifrequency signals. In this embodiment, the oscillator section comprises a plurality of individual oscillators 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65 each tuned to a different frequency. The oscillator frequencies are chosen to be within the frequency band transmittable by a telephone network but to have sufficient separation therebetween to permit ease of discrimination. A lfrequency range from 700 c.p.s. to

1700 c.p.s. with 200 c.p.s. separation between frequencies has been found satisfactory. For convenience, the output of each oscillator is designated by a letter of the alphabet. Thus the 700 c.p.s. output of oscillator 60 is designated by the letter C, the 900 c.p.s. output of oscillator 61 by the letter D, and so on.

Oscillator 60 is shown in detail to illustrate one embodiment advantageously employed. The circuitry is simple and conventional, transistorization being preferred in the interest of compactness and minimization of power requirements. The oscillators are powered by means of battery 18 through switch 19. This is the only source of power required by the transmitter.

In the frequency code employed, two frequencies are assigned to represent each information character. With six oscillator frequencies available, 15 different characters of information may be represented by the electric-al signal output of the transmitter. Translator section 21 is adapted to convert mechanical input data into these electrical signals. To this end, the translating means incorporates a multiple closure principle fundamental to the invention.

In accordance with this principle, each individual transducer element comprises a switching means adapted to simultaneously effect a plurality of closures upon being actuated. In the present embodiment, because of the frequency code employed, two such closures are required. The switching means may advantageously take the form generally designated by reference numeral 66. There the switching means comprises two switching elements 67 and 68, each having a movable contact, 69 or 70, and a stationary contact, 71 or 72. The movable contacts are adapted to be simultaneously translated to effect switching closure. In the keyboards, actuation may be effected by means of a push button 73. Actuation at the card reader, however, advantageously takes a form provided by the invention and described later in the specification.

Each transducer element is assigned a different one of the characters of data information to be transmitted. For example, the transducers of keyboard 16 are assigned the numerals 9. Further, each of the characters of data information is assigned a different two-frequency combination as defined by the code employed. Thus, character (1) is assigned the frequencies C and D, character (2) the frequencies D and H, and so on.

In the translating function, each transducer means, upon being actuated, operates to produce an electrical signal having the frequency combination assigned to the character represented by that transducer. Each of the switching elements of a transducer element is connected to the output of a different one of the oscillators. The oscillators selected are those which provide the frequencies representative of the character assigned to the transducer. For example, in transducer 66, contact 71 of switching element 67 is connected to oscillator 60 at output C, and contact 72 of switching element 68 is connected to oscillator 61 at contact D. Further, each switching element is connected to apply the oscillator output connected to it to the telephone network. More particularly, contact 69 of switching element 67 and contact 70 of switching element 68 are both connected to a winding 75 of an output transformer 74. In this way, the actuation of transducer 66, representing the chara-cter (1), simultaneously effects circuit closure to the telephone network of `both oscillators 60 and 61. This applies to the network A.C. voltages having the representative frequencies. Further, contacts 69 and 70 are connected to opposite sides of winding 75 of output transformer 74. The voltage outputs of the two oscillators thus c-ombine across winding 75 to produce a multi-frequency output signal as prescribed by the invention.

The remainder of the transducer elements, both in 'the keyboards and card reader, also effect simultaneous circuit closure for connecting selected oscillator outputs to the telephone line. The only difference between different transducer elements lies in the selection of oscillator outputs. In some instances the same frequency combination may be employed to represent two different characters. For example, the frequencies E and H are employed to represent both the character (9) and the control command Message Start. Such duplication is possible where discrimination is provided by the order of transmission. It will be noted that twelve transducer means are employed in the card reader. In this way, enough signals are made available so that the card reader may send alphabetical characters as well as the numerical characters indicated.

With the multiple closure system as provided by the present invention, selection of voltages, combination of voltages, and transmission of the resultant combination, this combination representing a character of data information, may be effected in a single, direct, mechanically initiated step. The means for effecting such step are eX- tremely simple, compact, inexpensive, and require very little power.

The present invention further provides an arrangement whereby multiple switching closure in the card reader may be effected by extremely simple, compact and direct mechanical means. This arrangement will be described with reference to FIGS. 3-8 wherein a particular embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, a card 26, such as that shown in FIG. 9, is employed to insert data information into the translator section of the transmitter. The data information is recorded on the face of the data card in the form of mechanical inputs positioned in a preselected coded arrangement. In the card shown, the mechanical inputs take the form of perforations. Each perforation represents a preselected character, the identity of the character being indicated by the row of the card in which the perforation is positioned. Thus, for example, perforations 84 and 85 indicate different characters, while perforations 86 and 87 indicate the same character.

The card reader comprises a tray 25 adapted to receive data card 26, as is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The card is inserted so that its character-representing rows lie in the direction of travel of the tray. To retain the card in this position, the tray is provided with guides 83 under which the card is slipped. Tray 25 is further adapted to be manually translated from its normal position, and spring biased to return to its normal position at a substantially constant rate of speed after having been so translated. This is conveniently effected by mechanically connecting a rack and a gear 81 to a spring system controlled by a governor assembly as shown generally at 82. The governor and spring assembly 4may be, for example, of the type utilized in controlling the return, after manual displacement, of conventional telephone control dials. Stops 109 are employed to limit the travel of the tray.

The card reader is adapted to read the recorded information on the card during the controlled return of tray 25 to its normal position. It is provided with a plurality of transducer elements 88 which are, as is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, positioned in a broadside arrangement transverse to the direction of travel of tray 25. Each transducer is positioned in coincidence with a different character-representing row of a data card as inserted into the tray. Further, each transducer element 88 comprises a switching means which, in this embodiment, includes two feeler elements 89 and 89. As tray 25 travels past, the eeler elements search for a recorded mechanical input in the data card row associated with their transducer element. Feeler elements 89 and 89 are made of conductive material and are spring biased to press against the data card so as to be physically translated upon encountering such mechanical input. Thereby, each feeler element is adapted to form the movable contact of a switching element as is shown in FIG. 2. Each feeler element is therefore electrically connected through contact means 90 and 90', to an oscillator selected in accordance with the data character represented by its transducer.

As shown in FIG. 2, contacts 91 and 91' of the transducer switching elements are connected to opposite sides of Output transformer Winding 75. Thus all the contacts 91, and all the contacts 91', are electrically tied together in common, respectively. In the card reader, as is best v shown in FIG. 4, these contacts are provided in the form of bars of a conductive circuit arranged on the surface of tray 25. This circuit may advantageously be so arranged by conventional printed circuit techniques. The circuit bars must be substantially parallel so as to remain associated with their assigned feeler elements throughout the travel of the tray. To avoid spreading or bending of the feeler elements, thereby displacing them from their assigned positions, a comb element 97, best shown in FIG. 7 is advantageously provided. All the bars 91 are connected in common through a bar 92, while all the bars 91 are connected in common through a bar 92. Bars 92 and 92 are connected to conductive side walls 93 and 93 respectively. Electrical contact to these walls throughout the travel of the tray is maintained by spring biased conductive feelers 94 and 94', respectively. Conductive leads connecting to the appropriate sides of transformer winding 75 are connected to feelers 94 and 94 through the medium of contacts 95 and 95. These connections are shown schematically in FIG. 2.

The described arrangement provides -for the direct and simple actuation of transducer elements 88 by the recorded mechanical inputs on a data card. The method of actuation may best be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and S. FIG. 5 illustrates the card reader with tray 25 in its normal position. At that time a wedge 96 is drawn under feeler elements 89 and 89', raising them upward against their bias within comb element 97. As is best shown in FIG. 6, tray is manually translated against its governor and spring system 82, feeler elements 89 and 89 slide downwardly along the incline of wedge 96 into contact with data card 26 in the tray. The tray, when released, then returns to its normal position at a substantially constant rate of speed under the control of the governor and spring system. At this time, the feeler elements of each transducer search the assigned data card row for perforations. Unless it nds a perforation, each feeler element is insulated from its associated printed circuit bar. As shown in FIG. 8, however, each feeler element, upon encountering a perforation is biased through the perforation into contact with its assigned bar. In this way, each feeler element effects closure of the switching element which it comprises.

In order to effect the multiple closure prescribed by the invention, the switching elements of an individual transducer element, as for example feeler elements 89 and 89', and bars 91 and 91' associated therewith, respectively, are arranged in close proximity. The feeler elements of an individual transducer are thus adapted to simultaneously fall through a single data card perforation to effect the prescribed simultaneous switching closure.

As has been indicated, tray 25 is adapted to return at a substantially constant rate of speed to its normal position under the control of governor and spring system 82. In order to insure the transmission of equally and properly spaced signals, the reading of the data card is advantageously effected during this return travel. As shown in FIG. 4, a two-position, normally closed switch 98 is advantageously provided for this purpose. This switch is maintained in its open position during the manually initiated travel of tray 25, and in its closed position during the return travel of the tray by means of a lever 99 which is controlled by a gear 100. Lever 99 is pivoted around a pin 101 in a rotational direction depending upon the rotational direction of gear 100. The rotational direction of gear 100, in turn, depends upon the direction of travel of tray 25. Thus, when tray 25 is manually translated, lever 99 rotates to open switch 98. At that time, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, switch 98 disconnects the card reader from winding 75 of output transformer 74, thereby preventing signals from being applied to the telephone network. On the other hand, when tray 25 returns to its 12 normal position under governor control, switch 98 returns to its closed position, thereby permitting transmission yof signals from the card reader.

The card reader embodiment hereinbefore described is adapted to read data cards having mechanical inputs in the form of perforations. However, the principles ernployed may readily be adapted to read data cards upon which information is recorded in the form of embossments. An embodiment designed to read such data cards is illustrated in FIG. 10, showing in perspective at data card having recorded embossments 111. Only one of the individual transducer elements 112 is shown in detail.

The transducer shown is adapted to produce a coded signal which, as before, comprises two voltages of different frequencies. In this case, transducer element 112 ernploys three feeler elements 113, 114 and 115. All the feeler elements are biased against data card 110, The outer to elements 113 and 115 are conductive. Central element 114 is provided with two conductive bars 116 and 117. Each bar extends to either side of central feeler element 114 at least up to the adjacent outer yfeeler element. These bars are electrically insuated one from the other by means of an insulating section 118. In addition, the bars are disposed normally out of contact with feeler elements 113 and 115 by means of a curved portion 119 of feeler element 114. Electrical bars 116 and 117 form the movable contacts, and feeler elements 113 and 115 the relatively stationary contacts of the switching elements of transducer 112. The feeler elements are arranged such that only center feeler element 114 encounters an embossment during the scanning of a data card row, feeler elements 113 and 115 being spaced to pass to either side of the embossment. Thus, when feeler element 114 encounters an embossment, it is raised while the other feeler elements remain relatively Xed. In this way, bars 116 and 117 are translated into contact with their associated outer feeler elements, respectively, to effect the desired simultaneous closure of the switching elements of the transducer.

The provision of switching element contacts in the form of feeler elements 113 and 115 plays an important role in the operation of this transducer element. Often a card may be buckled or have creases and ridges therein, due to excessive use and handling. A feeler element may therefore be raised to give a faulty reading without having detected an embossment. This is avoided in accordance with the present invention by the provision of feeler elements 113 and 115 which sense such card imperfections along with central feeler element 114 and thus prevent accidental switching closure.

Other alternatives available in the card reader of the invention are shown in FIG. l1. The transducer element there illustrated reads data cards having either perforations or embossments. A feeler element 120 again is biased against a card 121. Feeler element 120 has conductive sections 122 connected to it and insulated one from the other. These sections comprise the movable contacts of the switching elements forming the transducer. A first set of relatively stationary contacts 123 is arranged above these movable contacts. Thus, when feeler element 120 is raised by encountering an embossment 124, the switching elements of the transducer are simultaneously closed as prescribed. The transducer may also be adapted to be actuated by a perforated card by means of a second set of relatively stationary contacts 125 arranged below movable contacts 122. When biased feeler element 120 encounters a perforation 126, movable contacts 122 fall against stationary contacts 125 to eifect multiple closure. Both upper and lower sets of stationary contacts 123 and 125, respectively, are employed to send the same information character, and hence may be electrically connected together as shown.

The embodiment of FIG. l1 may also be employed to produce electrical signals comprising more than two frequencies to represent each character of information. A transducer employing printed circuits, as in the embodiment of FIG. 4, may prove impractical in such case, since the number of feeler elements required might not fit within the single perforation. This difficulty is eliminated by the use of a single feeler element having -a multiplicity of contacts, as in FIG. 11.

Very often it is desirabie to include a prescribed item, such as transmitter identification, or the like, with each message sent from a transmitter to a receiver station. The improved transmitter of the invention may readily be modified to automatically transmit such an item. A modification of this nature may take a variety of forms, a preferred form being illustrated in FIG. 12. The printed circuit of tray 25 is divided into two sections 130 and 131, the printed circuitry of section 131 remaining as before. Most of the printed circuit in section 136 is insulated advantageously by means of a spray or a layer of paper adhesively applied. Preselected portions 132 of the printed circuit, however, are left exposed, these portions being arranged in accordance with the code identifying the item which is to be automatically transmitted. In this way, recording is effected on the card reader tray itself, rather than on a data card. When the non-repeated item of the message is to be transmitted, the operator merely inserts a data card and proceeds as usual. The usable portion of the data card is, however, restricted to that portion covering section 13-1 of the printed circuit. The means shown in FIG. 12 has the advantage of being semi-permanent in nature. Items may readily be changed by the removal of the insulative covering from section 130 and the substitution of another pattern.

Receiver The receiver of the invention is illustrated in schematic detail in FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16. Continuity between the circuit portions in each figure is shown in FIG. 17. Receiver circuits in FIGS. 13-16 which correspond to blocks in FIG. 1 are identically numbered.

Referring to FIG. 13, receiver line switch 30 is shown in its normal position with the receiver telephone set connected directly to the telephone line. The operator at the receiver is first notified of a transmitter station request by a telephone call. Line switch 30 is then actuated to break contact between the telephone line and telephone set and to connect the telephone line to an available receiver unit.

Connection to the receiver is made through hybrid circuit 31 which, in this embodiment, takes a form conventionally employed in telephone equipment to permit simultaneous two-way transmission over telephone lines. As indicated in the preceding General Description, bi-directional operation may advantageously be utilized in the present system in the absence of echo Suppressors in the telephone line. Otherwise, hybrid circuit 31 merely acts as a two-way switch, routing inputs to the receiver from the telephone line through its transformer section 260 and routing outputs from the receiver to the telephone line through its transformer section 251.

Line relay circuit 32 is connected through hybrid circuit 31 to the telephone line. Line relay circuit 32 is activated as soon as power is applied to the receiver. At that time contacts 223 and 224 close, completing a circuit connection which maintains telephone line contact between the transmitter and receiver. In the event of power Y failure in the receiver, these relay contacts open to interrupt telephone contact and thus indicate receiver failure to the operator at the transmitter.

The input signals from the transmiter pass through transformer section 200 of hybrid circuit 31 into amplitude limiter circuit 33 (FIG. 14). The embodiment shown operates in push-pull fashion in a manner so well known in the art as to need no description herein. In the present system, amplitude limiter 33 functions to adjust the amplitude ofthe incoming signal in accordance with the requirements of the receiver circuit. Amplitude limiter 33 is therefore adapted to provide signal amplification or limiting where required. A potentiometer 2&3 is advantageously provided to adjust the point at which amplitude limiting occurs.

The output of amplitude limiter circuit 33 is applied to different portions of the receiver circuitry. The translation function of the receiver will first be described. In this function, the output of amplitude limiter 33 is applied through an output transformer 262 to the signal detector circuit, shown generally at 34. This circuit comprises a plurality of sharply tuned lters Zilli-209, corresponding in number to the number of frequencies available at the transmitter. Each filter circuit is adapted to pass a different one of the transmitter frequencies. A multi-frequency signal arriving at the receiver is thus broken up into its component AC. voltages.

The output of each filter is applied to lan associated channel circuit. Following the output of the 700 c.p.s. filter 2135 (FIG. 14), for example, -it is connected to the plate of a diode-connec-ted tube-half 210. There the 700 c.p.s. voltage is rectified and applied, through a cathode output, to the control grid of an associated thyratron tube 211 to trigger the thyratron. The 900 c.p.s. voltage is applied through identical channel circuitry. In that case, the voltage is rectified through a diode 212 and applied to the control grid of a thyratron 213. Both of these channel circuits are shown in a single channel unit 214 as a matter of convenience, since diodes 210 and 212, in this embodiment, each comprise half of the same tube package. The remaining channel units 215 and 216, providing for filters 20d-209, are identical to unit 214 and for that reason are not shown in detail.

A -separate relay is connected to the output plate of each of the thyratrons, as shown in FIG. 15. These relays 217-222 comprise code circuit 35 of the receiver system. Each relay is adapted to be actuated by the output of its associated thyratron. For example, an input signal having component frequencies of 700 c.p.s. and 900 c.p.s. will actuate code relay 217 through thyratron 211 yand code relay 218 through thyratron 213. In this way, the code circuit produces signals indicative of the component frequencies of the input signal received.

Translate circuit 36, shown in FIG. 16, is provided to identify the character represented by the now-identified component signal frequencies. Translate circuit 36 com-l prises a plurality of relays 225-230, corresponding in number to code relays 217-222. Each of the translate relays is connected through a contact a of a different one of the code relays so that the actuation of a code relay actuates the translate relay connected to it. Each translate relay is also provided with a plurality of contacts as shown. Output leads, each representative of a different one of the transmitted characters of information, connect through preselected contacts of the translate relays to ouput utilization unit 37. Each output lead is designed by the information character it represents.

Translate circuit 36 achieves its function Vby means of an interconnection of the translate relay contacts which produces a signal at an appropriate one of its output leads in response to the component frequency identification effected by the code relays. For example, a multi-frequency signal having component frequencies of 700 c.p.s. and 900 c.p.s. in actuating code relays 217 and 21S closes the contact a of each, these contacts in turn actuating translate relays 225 and 226 to close their contacts. A complete circuit path is thus provided from the output lead representative of the character (l), through the contact b of translate relays 225 and 226, to a lead 231, through normally closed contact a of a relay 232 (FIG. 13), and through a lead 256 to output utilization unit 37. No other of the output leads is provided with such a closed circuit path by the actuation of these two translate relays. Translate circuit 36 has therefore interpreted the input signal Vas being representative of the character (1), and has 15 provided an output signal in the form of a circuit closure to output utilization unit 37 signifying that fact.

The present system incorporates a -number of checks which insure the error-free processing of signal information. A first of these checks is designed to avert receiver confusion by preventing the simultaneous applica- -tion of two input signals. To this end, the output of amplitude limiter circuit 33 (FIG. 14), in addition to being applied to signal detector circuit 34, is applied to signal present circuit 38 (FIG. 15). The output in this case is taken from the plate of a vacuum tube 233 and applied to the control grid of a triode 234, comprising half of la vacuum tube 235. This produces an output voltage at the plate of triode 234 which is applied to bias circuit 39. A negative potential is applied to bias circuit 39 from line switch 30 (FIG. 13) through a lead 236 to continuously apply, from the beginning of receiver operation, a negative bias to all the channel circuit thyratrons in units 214, 215 and 216, through a lead 237. This bias is not sufficient for cut off, and permits a first input signal to trigger the appropriate thyratrons, as before described. The same input sign-al, however, lalso produces an output voltage at the plate of triode 234 for as long as it is -applied to the receiver. This output voltage is rectified by means of a polarized network 238 to produce a negative voltage, which is added at `a common terminal 239 to the already existing bias applied to the thyratrons. By means of a potentiometer 240 this additional voltage is adjusted to produce sufficient bias to cut off the thyratrons. Signal detector circuit 34 is thus made unresponsive to succeeding input signals, whereby only one signal at a time is permitted to enter the receiver system. As soon as the first input signal has been removed, however, triode 234 ceases to produce an output, the added bias is removed, and signal detector 34 is returned to its normal receptive state.

Signal present circuit 38 also prevents the reception of spurious signals of short duration, of insufficient amplitude, or of incorrect frequency. The output of arnamplitude limiter 33 is first applied to a band-pass filter 241. There only voltages having frequencies within the prescribed 70D-1700 c.p.s. range are permitted to pass through a transformer 242 to be applied between the control grid and cathode of a triode 243 in vacuum tube 235. Triode 243 is negatively biased, by the potential from lead 236, to rectify the voltage applied to it. Its output is therefore a D.C. potential appearing at its cathode. The setting of a potentiometer 244 determines the minimum amplitude which a Voltage applied to triode 243 must have in order to produce the cathode output. The D.C. output voltage of triode 243 is then applied to a filter circuit 245. The capacitors in the filter circuit are selected so that a signal having shorter than a preselected duration will not pass. This minimum signal duration is prescribed by the time required to complete receiver operation on an input signal and may be varied to suit receiver requirements by the appropriate selection of capacitor values. Rapid discharge of the filter circuit is effected by means of a diode 140.

The output of filter circuit 245 is applied to a pentode 246 at both its control and suppressor grids. This results in current flow in the plate circuit of pentode 246, which actuates a relay 247. Relay 247, through its contact a, actuates a relay 148 which, in turn, connects plate voltage to the thyratrons in channel units 214, 215 and 216 (FIG. 14) through its contact a and a lead 251 connecting through code relays 217-222. Without thyratron plate voltage, code relays 217-222 cannot be actuated by the output of signal detector circuit 34. The application of thyratron plate voltage, however, requires the reception of an input signal having the proper frequency to pass through filter 241, the minimum amplitude to provide an output at triode 243, and the minimum time duration to pass through lter 245. Thus the receiver is effectively made unresponsive to spurious signals.

As has been noted, a number of leads are required to pass through the contacts of relay 232 in order to effect their respective circuit connections. Relay 232 forms part of interlock circuit 40, which functions to prevent multiple registration in output utilization unit 37. Multiple registration may, for example, take the form of multiple punching in a keypunch unit. The operation of relay 232 is made dependent upon the closure of two separate power circuits. These circuits are connected in parallel to relay 232 through potentiometers 248 and 249. Potentiometer 248 connects through a lead 253 to contact a of all the translate relays (FIG. 16) so that the operation of translate circuit 36 by an input signal connects lead 253 to ground, thereby applying power through potentiometer 248 to relay 232. Potentiometer 248 is so set, however, that this power alone is not sufficient to actuate the relay. Potentiometer 249 connects through a lead 254 to output utilization unit 37 (FIG. 16). Unit 37 is adapted to connect lead 254 to ground, upon having completed the registration of an input signal to supply power to relay 232. Again this power alone is not sufficient to actuate the relay. However, the power applied through both leads 253 and 254 is sufficient for relay actuation. Upon being actuated, relay 232 switches its contact b to connect a third potentiometer 252 through a lead 255 to contact a of relay 247 (FIG. l5). Relay 247, it will be remembered, is actuated by a signal present circuit 38. Thus contact a of relay 247 remains in position to connect lead 255 to ground so long as an input signal is present in the receiver. Potentiometer 252 is so set that the power applied through lead 255 is sufiicient to actuate relay 232. Relay 232 is therefore locked into position so long as an input signal is present in the system. A diode 250 is provided to prevent power owing through potentiometer-s 248 and 249 from feeding back through lead 255.

In operation, relay 232 is prepared for actuation, through potentiometer 248 4by input signal reception, and is actuated, through potentiometer 249, by input signal registration. Actuation of relay 232 causes its contact a to open. Contact a connects through lead 231 and through the signal selected output lead of translate circuit 36 to output utilization unit 37. Further, contact a connects through lead 256 to output utilization unit 37. It will be remembered that output utilization unit 37 receives signal input lfrom the selected output lead of translate circuit 36 in the form of a circuit closure passing through the normally closed contact a of relay 232. The opening of contact a thus serves to terminate the application of an input signal to output utilization unit 37 as soon as the registration operation therein is concluded. Multiple registration is thereby effectively prevented.

The preparation for actuation of relay 232 by the translate relays is provided in order to insure that all the component frequencies of an input signal are registered before contact a of relay 232 is opened. This precaution is important to receiver operation since delay between component frequencies may readily be anticipated from a variety of cases, for example from a frequency-dependent delay characteristic in the circuitry of a telephone network. For that reason, the power applied through potentiometer 248 by the closing of one translate relay alone is made insufficient to prepare relay 232 for actuation through potentiometer 249. In this embodiment, since two component frequencies are employed, the closure of two translate relays representing the reception of both component frequencies is required. A- means for effecting this requirement is the provision of a resistor 290 (FIG. 16) in each lead from contact a of the translate relays to lead 253. Appropriate choice of the resistor values determines the number of translate relay closures required to prepare relay 232 -for actuation.

After actuation, relay 232 is locked into its actuated position through potentiometer 252, -by signal present circuit 38, so long as the registered signal remains in the system. This insures that its Contact a will remain open 

13. A SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING DATA OVER A TELEPHONE NETWORK, WHICH COMPRISES OSCILLATOR CIRCUITRY INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF NORMALLY OPEN RESONANT CIRCUIT PATHS OF DIFFERENT RESONANT FREQUENCIES FOR PRODUCING MULTI-FREQUENCY SIGNALS IN RESPONSE TO THE CLOSURE OF AT LEAST TWO OF SAID RESONANT CIRCUIT PATHS, MEANS FOR CLOSING SELECTED ONES OF SAID RESONANT CIRCUIT PATHS SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EACH CHARACTER OF SAID DATA A CODED MULTI-FREQUENCY SIGNAL, MEANS FOR TRANSMITTING SUCH CODED SIGNALS OVER SAID NETWORK NORMALLY IN SPACED TIME RELATIONSHIP, 